Ahhh, you’ve had a lovely summer break and now it’s time to gear up for school. Anticipation is in the air, along with a little nervous wondering about the new teacher and the new grade. Here are some tips for supporting your child for a successful start:

  • Talk with your child about what they are excited about and what they think may be “tricky” in the upcoming school year. This sets the stage for your child to communicate their feelings in a balanced way, and in advance. 
  • Knowing your child’s worries in advance allows you to do some detective work together, to get more information, and problem solve the possible ‘tricky’ areas in advance. 
  • What does it take for your child to feel safe and secure at school? Consider together: does your child do well sitting in a certain area of the classroom, does he need extra movement opportunities, does she take extra time to process information, does he do well knowing what is coming up for the week/the next day in advance, does she do well being called up in the classroom unexpectedly, is handwriting effortful, how does your child feel about performing in PE and at recess? About making new friends? Does your child do well with ‘quiet’ breaks at his desk or in the reading corner and regroup to meet the rest of the day’s demands? 
  • Establish a relationship with your teacher. Send an email to the teacher in the first weeks of school to establish a rapport that you are a willing partner in your child’s education.
  • Create a short bio with your child so your teacher can have a sense of “knowing” your child outside of academic performance. This should include a photo of the family and your child doing a favorite activity or with a favorite pet. 
  • If your child is shy, let your teacher know that knowing what is coming up in the week helps your child be prepared in advance and reduces “on-the-spot” worries
  • If your child is active, partner with your child and teacher around how to get his wiggles out.
  • If your child has a hard time organizing, establish a way for your child to communicate with her teacher to help keep on top of school work

Your preparing and problem solving with your child in advance builds your child’s ability to manage their inner worries and have agency in setting the school year up for success.